Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-04-29


AI communications should be addressed to "Ga=ette"
Alexandria, Va.
Entered at tie PostoGice at Alerandria Virginia,
secossd-clasS matter.l
NEr. Cleveland and the Democracy.
I have got hold OF the details of CONVEX
sation which occurred between President
Cleveland and promineat Western demo.
crat, about month or six weeks ago. The
talk was had at meeting which was
brought about by appointment. Mr.. Cleve-
land had sent for the democratic leader to
whom allude and whose name | am not
at liberty to use, and told him he wanted to
advise with him freely and frankly about
the political situation.
81 wi5h,'' said the. President, that you
would tell me plainly, and, if necessary,
pointedly, what you think about the condi-
tion of things"
"Well," replied the gentleman, "since
you have asked me l will speak to you
truthtuly and unreservedly. To begin
with, think the democratic party is very
greatly demoralized, aud unless the last
two years of your administration are great
improvement ca the first two, do not ex.
pect there will be another democratic Pres
ident in the White House during my time.
| am getting to be an old man, ana yoIr
election TO the Presidency was, at the time,
very gratifying TO me. But unfortunately
for both you and the party, you have man
aged in some way, which | do not believe
was intentional, to efectuGlly destroy the
organization of the party which put you at
the head of this government Still 1 am
frank TO say. that it is not too late for you to
recover lost ground and make yourself your
own successor"
What do you think has been the princi
pal trouble ?'' inquired the President, who
did not seem to be ct all disconcerted by the
frankness of the gentleman's statement, nor
the uninvting picture presented.
"There have been two great mistakes in
your policy thus far, MIR. President" said
the old democrat, sorrowfully. Your posi-
ton in the civil service business IS in direct
antagonism with the best thought in your
party, and is approved by nobc&ys,but the
mugwumps. Then your hostility to silver
is condemned oy the democrats all over the
South and the West. Your position on the
tariff is good enough, but it lacks aggressive
ness. Your failure to direct and control
legislation in Congress- which you would be
able 20 do if you were in hearty accord with
the democratic leaders, has caused you to be
blamed for great part of the disappont-
ment felt at the recent adjournment OF
Congress- That Congress was altogether
the most disappointing and unsatisfactory
BODY which has assembled in our legislative
history. You have apparently kept Con-
gress at o distance You have seemingly
refused to believe that there is any wisdom
among the statesmen of your own party.
You have acted as if you were suspicious OF
your party friends, and you now lack the
sympathy which you ought to have, and
which you would have if your course had
been different"
The President was, to all appearance,
deeply impressed with the plain truths ut
tered by his adviser. He sat for some mo-
ments with bowed head, and seemed to be
communing with himself. Presently he
looked up and inquired
"Since YOU have been so ready to name
nv shortcomings, and to point out the evils
resulting. will YOU now tell me what ought
to do TO atone for my own mistakes and to
rehabilitate and restore the democratic
party?"
81 think" said the gentleman, "you
should at once adopt policy that is in har-
monv with the sentiment of your party's
majority, ana, having once adopted it, that
YOU should live rigidly up to it, l think
you should take your eyes off of New Eng
land and look westward and southwark for
a while"
"How would you begin?' queried the
President, seeing that the gentleman hesl-
tated.
Isle at the head Of the Treasury Depart
ment."
But he won't go there" said the Presi.
dent, quickly, and manifestipg some impa'
tence.
"Of course, Mr. Carlisle would hot accept
the Secretaryship of the Treasury" replied
the gentleman, with soothing wave OF the
hand. "Why should Mr. Carlisle, or any
other man, desire to be o clerk in your Cab.
met, a fgurehead in your administration!
Mr.. Carlisle now occupies position OF more
prominence and power in the politics ofthis
country than any Office you can give him
would bestow. think l know exactly how
he feels about the Treasury portfolio. You
NAV offer it to him hundred times, and
hundred times it will be refused. Places in
vour Cabinet are not desired by men like
Mr.. Carlisle. He has mind of his own
and policy of his own. He could not al
ford to become the head of the Treasury
unless he could infuse his own individuality
into the administration of the office.
''But suppose, Mr.. President, you should
send for Mr.. Carlisle and say to him l
want to inaugurate policy which will re,
store to me the confidence of my party, and
make that party intact and invincible tor
the campaign of 1855. I recognize my mis-
takes, and 1 want you to come and help me
map ont policy which will insure my sue.
cessor to be democrat. 1 want the benefit
OF your intelligence in the administration
OF the finances If you talked to Mr.; Car
Isle like that do you suppose he would hes
itate for one moment to become your oecre-
tary of the Treasury? He could not nes-
tate; he would not refuse. That would De
good start, and it would at once attract at
4ont;o,, ond a1-oIta on ptb,,s;or,, Mr. Carlisle